Welcome to the
Writing Center
Talk about your writing
Every writer needs a reader – and everyone who writes is a writer!
Visit the Writing Center for free, one-to-one help with all your writing projects. We provide resources, strategies and techniques across disciplines and genres that help you improve your writing.
We will work with you in person or online at any stage of your writing process, from understanding your purpose and brainstorming ideas to discovering revision strategies. We can help you with:
- reviewing assignment guidelines
- generating and developing ideas
- organizing long projects
- organizing within and across paragraphs
- evaluating and integrating research
- documenting sources
- improving sentence structure and style
- recognizing technical errors
- …and all other writing matters.
| Spring 2025 Hours | |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. |
| Thursday | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
| Friday | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. |
– Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in a Writing Center session?
For most projects, you’ll meet with a peer consultant for up to 45 to 50 minutes either in person in the Writing Center or in a synchronous session via WebEx and Google Docs. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about your writing. Although we focus on one project (or portion of a project) in each session, our overall goal is for you to learn strategies that can transfer to all of your work. Each session is tailored to your needs as the writer and to the project at hand. If you are comfortable with it, we would love to welcome you into our sunny physical space, but we’ve also worked hard to recreate the same helpful, personal support with online appointments.
Do I need to bring a full draft?
No! We can help at any stage of the writing process: understanding assignments; brainstorming and expanding ideas; developing a thesis, claim, or research question; evaluating and incorporating sources; outlining and organizing drafts; documenting and citing sources (current versions of MLA, APA, Chicago, ASA, and others); strengthening grammar and mechanics; and other customized forms of support.
In order to help you the most, we request that you provide us with the following:
The instructor’s writing assignment or writing prompt and/or the course syllabus
Any writing in progress, questions, notes, or ideas
You will be able to upload these files directly to your appointment request.
Are appointments required?
We strongly encourage appointments as we do have a limited schedule, but we accept drop-ins if the time is available. Except in special circumstances, you may schedule up to three appointments per week, one appointment per day, and as far as six weeks in advance. Note that longer projects usually require more than one session, so we recommend scheduling in advance.
How do I join an online appointment?
When it’s time for your session, if you’ve chosen an in-person session, you will meet your consultant in the Writing Center, Haas 302. If you have chosen an online synchronous session, return to the scheduling system and click on Start or Join Conversation. We sometimes work with Google docs as well. The consultant will provide an email address for you to share your doc.
Will my instructor know if I come to the Writing Center?
This is entirely your decision. If you do want your instructor to be informed, your consultant will email general information to the instructor after the visit. Otherwise, the visit is kept confidential.
May I just send in my paper for proofreading or editing?
At this time, we only work in face-to-face or synchronous sessions, so we don’t accept papers via email. During the session, we’ll explain frequent problems and how to change them so you are able to do so on your own in the future, but we do not fix all errors. The project is always yours to complete. The Writing Center adheres to WCSU’s Academic Honesty Policy as stated in the CSCU’s Student Code of Conduct.
My paper is due immediately after my session. Is that acceptable?
You’ll need time to make revisions and incorporate advice from our session so you can submit your best possible work. The writing will always be yours! Therefore, you must reserve at least one full hour following the end of your appointment to work on your paper before it’s due to make any changes on your own. We can answer a quick question, and we’ll encourage you to make an appointment earlier for next time.
Can you help with a research paper?
We help with any kind of writing project. For assistance with research and finding sources, you should schedule a consultation with the WCSU librarians as they are your best resource. On the library website, you’ll also find a live chat box for quick help.
Can you help me understand the content of my course?
We can often help you with understanding the reading, but we don’t tutor for specific content. You’ll find help at the Tutoring Resource Center for some subjects as well as academic coaching or Ancell Commons for courses in business. Check here for additional tutoring and academic support.
What about longer papers or projects?
We work with all projects. However, plan more time for a longer paper (more than five pages) and schedule additional appointments. Depending on the length and complexity of the assignment or the range of issues you would like to address, two or more sessions may be required as we may not be able to work through the entire piece.
Can I bring in a group project?
Yes, you can! However, please note that we can only work on your own writing, meaning the portion of the group project that you personally wrote. We can only work on the writing of group members who are present in the session. Please email us to arrange a group session.
Does the writing have to be for a class?
No! We can help with scholarship and graduate school applications, statements of purpose, cover letters, and other writing. For help with résumés and other employment preparation, we also recommend the Career Success Center.
Is the Writing Center only for good writers? Or bad writers?
The Writing Center is for all WCSU students from any major, any course, freshmen through graduate students. All writers benefit from feedback, from the least experienced to the most advanced. Coming to the Writing Center (or being asked to come) does not mean you are a bad writer. It means you are learning! Learning to write well is a lifelong process, and we are here to help you make that happen.
What is a Composition Embedded Tutor (CET)?
In some Composition 1 classrooms, trained Writing Center consultants help students and the instructor during class, hold office hours in the Writing Center, and provide support on Blackboard. CETs serve as a bridge between the classroom and the Writing Center.
What if I can’t make my CET’s office hours?
Your assigned CET will know the most about your specific class, but we understand scheduling can be tough. First, you can contact us with any scheduling concerns. You are also welcome to make an appointment of visit with any other CET or schedule a regular Writing Center appointment.
Who works in the Writing Center?
The Writing Center is staffed by advanced sophomore, junior, senior, and graduate students from a range of majors. As experienced writers and fellow students, we offer guidance and support in an empathetic, non-judgmental setting. Our coordinators, both professors, are always on standby to answer any questions that may arise.
Can I work in the Writing Center?
We generally hire consultants and CETs in spring for work in fall semesters. When positions are available, these are posted on our website and on the Student Financial Aid job listings. Feel free to email us with any questions!
Can I just walk in?
Yes, we accept appointments on a walk-in basis. Arriving at the top of the hour (such as 11:00 a.m.) is recommended. Although we try to work with all walk-ins, we encourage you to schedule beforehand to secure your spot. Schedule through the link on our website.
Can I schedule in advance?
Scheduling in advance guarantees a reserved spot. Appointments may be scheduled as far as six weeks in advance.
What if I just have a quick question?
If you have a very quick writing question, we are happy to work with you. Be aware that sometimes a quick question can evolve into a full session, and we try to avoid rushing the writing/learning process.
What happens if I’m late or miss my appointment?
If you are late to your appointment: We will mark it missed at a quarter after the hour. After a certain number of missed appointments, we encourage you to come talk to us, so we can talk about how to work with your schedule.
If you know beforehand that you will be a little late: It’s a good idea to write that in the comments to your tutor when you’re scheduling your appointment, so that you don’t run the risk of losing your appointment.
If you know that you can’t make your appointment: You can cancel by logging in and clicking on your appointment.
The Writing Center Team
I am the Writing Center Coordinator and Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of World Languages and Composition. I have taught writing and worked in writing centers for over 30 years in Idaho, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Colorado before coming to WCSU in 2012. I passionately believe in the importance of literacy in our lives, and one of my greatest joys is the sound of a busy Writing Center. We work together here to welcome you, support you, and leave you feeling as a more confident writer. In my off hours, I enjoy reading, practicing yoga, playing the piano, and side-by-siding through life with my husband and three very cool cats.
"Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman
I am an Assistant Coordinator in the Writing Center as well as an Adjunct Instructor teaching composition at WCSU and CT State Community College. I graduated from WCSU with my MFA in Creative and Professional Writing with concentrations in fiction and editing. Before that, I earned my BA in English from the University of New Haven. I have more than five years of experience working in university writing centers and have worn many different hats, including those of Peer Tutor, Embedded Tutor, and Graduate Assistant. One of my favorite parts of working in the Writing Center is when writers leave feeling more confident in their own abilities. When I'm not working, I might be found spending time with my cats, reading indie comics, teaching myself new skills, or revising my YA fantasy novel manuscript. “The world needs to hear what you have to share, but they won’t hear it if you hesitate or stop.” -Melanie Faith
I'm a Secondary English Education major and a Sociology minor, as well as a WCSU Library Assistant, with a special love of reading and writing both. I love the opportunity to help others put their thoughts to words and figure out which thoughts they want to get down in the first place! I've wrote more than a few essays and used the library more than a few times in my years here, and I'm looking forwards to helping people do the same. Outside of school I love art, music, writing fiction and reading whatever I can find the time for. There's always so much to experience in the world, and I do my best to never regret leaving something untried. I look forward to being able to help however I can!
Hi there! My name is Alex and I am a Music Education major. My focus is in voice, but I practice piano as well. I am very passionate about teaching and the value of knowledge. Even in my free time, I enjoy reading about topics in social sciences (especially psychology and sociology). As a result, I’ve grown quite fond of the research paper process. Aside from academic writing, I love poetry and songwriting! When I’m not occupied by music and my studies, I make time to explore new ways to be creative and artsy. Writing, to me, is similar to music. It is a skill that is fostered and strengthened over time. No one is born a great writer. However, all people are born with ideas that deserve to be shared. I am glad to be one of the people here to help put those ideas on paper!
Hi! My name is Anna and I am a Creative Writing major who loves anything fantasy or science fiction. I like to think of writing as an art form and love to appreciate how everyone can show their creative mind through their writing. In my free time I love to read, listen to music, or do some writing that isn't for school. I have written a lot of essays throughout my school career, and I am excited to hopefully be able to use my experience to help others!
Hello! My name is Ciana and I am an English major here at WCSU. I love reading fiction, primarily anything that allows for theories and things to be solved. The worlds that authors can create are fascinating to observe. Beyond that, I love to write in my spare time and make art that goes with it. It doesn't matter if a work is fiction or non-fiction; there is always something to observe from it.
Hello, I’m Emily and I’m a chemistry major. As such, I have plenty of experience in writing detailed lab reports and therefore I’m well acquainted with the writing process and effectively communicating concepts and ideas. One of my favorite aspects of writing is how it unifies interests of all disciplines by exploring and spreading ideas and by extension sparking new and innovative ideas in its readers. Outside of WCSU, I am an assistant swim coach, lifeguard and swim instructor and in my free time I enjoy listening to music and podcasts, dabbling in foreign languages, reading, and watching pro-wrestling.
I'm a graduate student here at WCSU, pursuing my master's degree in Counselor Education on the School Counselor track. I've spent most of my career in advertising & marketing, including as a copywriter. I've also worked as a journalist for several years, covering primarily sports-related topics. I've contributed to PARADE Magazine, SportsGrid, RotoExperts, and The Fantasy Sports Network in the past. I love reading and writing fiction, poetry, and short stories, too! Russian literature is my preferred genre, and my favorite novel is Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. Outside of school, I enjoy creating music and going to see live shows, hiking with my dogs Hazel & Kiara, the comedy of Tim Robinson, exercising, and spending time with loved ones. I also love traveling to new places to explore new languages & cultures. My words to live by: "Be excellent to each other." -Bill S. Preston
Hi there, I’m Jo! I'm a Social Work major, transfer student, and avid traveler. I love to write, play piano, and explore National Parks. Outside of the Writing Center, you'll find me doing crossword puzzles with my pets (Ellie & Honey - a 7-year-old Cockapoo, and a 3-year-old former stray cat) or perusing antique stores for old books. I approach every project as an opportunity to grow as a writer, reader, and learner. I’m looking forward to working together! "Dismiss whatever insults your own soul, and your very flesh shall be a great poem…” - Walt Whitman
Hello everyone! My name is Justin, and I am majoring in Elementary Education. In the future, I plan to eventually get my Doctorate in Education and become either a School Administrator or College Professor in Education. In addition to working at the Writing Center, I also work as a Peer Mentor for the FYE program here at WCSU. I love being able to work with students of all skill levels and help them better themselves, whether through navigating the college experience, to the beautiful art that is writing. For me, writing is more than just typing up some words relating to a topic, but rather it allows to tell a story. There is no one clear-cut way to write, and that is what I love most about it. I focus my writing on how it is expressed through my own voice, as if I was going to say this writing piece out to a large audience. I want your writing to be a representation of your own work, as everyone is a great writer, not “can”. We just need to unlock the forbidden door that opens your mind to creative ideas and blossoming thoughts. In my free time, you find me around campus hosting the occasional PAC Bingo, playing guitar, or taking walks. I am excited to be a part of your writing journey!
I am a sophomore Political Science major with Philosophy and JLA minors, and I hope to be an educator someday. Writing is important to me because it is the ultimate form of communication and often the first step to finding solutions. Some of my hobbies include reading, hiking, cooking, and finding new music to listen to. I love this job because of its real-world impact and I look forward to working with students in the future. My favorite quote: ""And I... Am... Iron Man." - Tony Stark (Avengers: Endgame)
I’m a graduate student pursuing an MFA in Creative and Professional Writing. After ten years of teaching middle school English, I currently work at an education non-profit that supports K-12 schools. I love learning languages and traveling. I speak French and Spanish. Outside of work and school, you’ll find me hanging out with my dog or reading young adult fantasy novels. One of my favorite quotes about writing comes from the great Toni Morrison: “If you find a book you really want to read but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”
As a double major in both Health Promotion and Interdisciplinary Studies, my passions and professional interests mirror my concentrations of Holistic & Integrative Health, Theoretical & Applied Ethics, and Sustainability. Outside of the typical health promotion and interdisciplinary studies coursework, some classes that I have taken include several holistic health and ethics courses, introductory courses in both psychology and sociology, Cultural Diversity, Indigenous Spirituality & Environmental Activism, Nutrition and Health, and Food, Justice, & the Environment. When I step away from my coursework, I often feel happiest playing with weeds in the garden or with my nose deep in either a nonfiction or poetry book. In my spare time, I enjoy watching X Files and cracking jokes with my husband in our tiny house with our tiny dog and our tiny cat. As a “jack of all trades,” my latest endeavor is crafting my very first sweater, which has kept me busy with my knitting needles. When it comes to writing, my current, slow-moving project is creating a holistic cookbook built around the changing seasons.
Hi! My name is Sarah and I’m currently majoring in English with plans to pursue a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education after I graduate. My dream is to be a kindergarten teacher by day and an editor by night:) In my free time, I love to do crafts, diamond paintings, and puzzles (metaphorical and literal ones). I absolutely love peer collaboration and working alongside someone to share ideas and bounce off one another. As a writer, I really focus on creating a piece that is concentrated and concise but also has a very natural rhythm to it. Writing is art; I love seeing it all come together as a cohesive work. In that same vein, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to transform ideas and concepts into a full-length piece and put my thoughts down on paper. I am also speak fluent Arabic. I am thrilled to help fellow students work through it together!
Hello! My name is Sof Ramos and I'm a Music Education major with a focus in jazz. I am very passionate about music, along with other things related to creatively expressing yourself, such as writing! I believe that writing is art and it's something that I've been interested in and involved in for years. I am also very passionate about teaching. I love being able to pass on the knowledge I have to others in hopes of helping them to become better at whatever we may be working at. Outside of music and writing, I also love to spend time outdoors, cook & bake, play video games, read, and spend time with my friends and family!
• Hi! My name is Steven and I'm a Secondary Education History major. I have always found writing to be something that's freeing and fulfilling. In my free time, I enjoy creative writing, playing guitar and piano, and swimming. During my time as a writing consultant, I look forward to meeting and helping writers of all levels improve their skills. One of my favorite quotes is from David Bowie: "I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring." ________________________________________
Hello! My name is Tim, and I'm a Professional Writing major here at WCSU. I love writing and reading because I love the writing process as a whole. Researching a brand new topic, spilling a rough draft all over a page, and editing it until the space bar breaks - it's all so interesting to me. Outside of writing, I can be found talking to myself about the Islanders and Mets, listening to Alvvays, or looking at cute pictures of bears on the internet. "Live every week like it's shark week." - Tracy Jordan